Mobile TV viewers 'to hit 54 million this year'

The number of people across the world using free-to-air analogue mobile TV is
expected to increase to 54 million this year, analysts have predicted.

Mobile TV: While news and sports were popular among mobile TV viewers, most favoured a mix of programme types. Photo: AP

7:00AM BST 25 Aug 2009

By 2013, there will be about 300 million people watching TV on a free-to-air analogue handset – a significant jump from the current estimated 18 million users – new research suggests.

The study, conducted by market researcher In-Stat and Californian chip maker Telegent Systems, revealed that more than half of those surveyed watched mobile TV at least three times a week, with 20 per cent of respondents watching every day.

In some areas, more than 40 per cent watched daily, the study found.

While news and sports were popular among mobile TV viewers, most favoured a mix of programme types.

The study found most viewers tuned in while travelling, at home and during breaks at work.

Frank Dickson, vice president of research at In-Stat, said: "The adoption of analogue mobile TV handsets has been driven by the most powerful force in the mobile industry: consumers.

"The infrastructure is already in place, there are no new standards that need to be enacted and the service is free to consumers – a very powerful combination."